A World Cup win with a Man of the Tournament trophy, a World Twenty20 win, an Arjuna Award, a Padma Shri, the tag of one of the most expensive players ever sold at the Indian Premier League, a fairytale wedding with a beautiful Bollywood actor, and a triumphant win against cancer – it’s hard not to be in awe of what cricketer Yuvraj Singh has achieved so far. An all-rounder on and off the field, the star cricketer speaks about his living through ups and downs in life.
Interview by Dhara Vora Sabhnani
Yuvraj Singh, What kind of dedication does it take to constantly keep learning your craft?
The motivation to never stop and just be passionate about work is what keeps me on my toes. Every day, there is something new that teaches you a lesson of life. And being a sportsman, I find something new to learn every day, be it from my seniors or my juniors. Learning is an integral part of everyone’s life. It is always positive to learn and implement new things in your life in order to be at pace with the new world that is changing rapidly each day.
Yuvraj Singh, In what way do you feel you have evolved over the years, personally and on the field?It was four years back when I Patience and practice have shaped me a lot on both fronts. Patience in life and on the ground is very important and I completely believe in it. And practice makes you understand your game better. As much as you practice your game, you’ll understand it better and deeper.
Yuvraj Singh, You have overcome many hurdles. What keeps you going?
My family and my fans are my biggest strength. Personally, emerging from cancer was the most difficult time that I had to face. But I was positive and confident that I would gain my strength back, and that is because of the strength and positivity that I received from my family, friends and fans. I believe, during the lows of life, it is only your family that stands by you unconditionally, and motivates you to rise up and live again. To me, my family matters a lot. Without their support, I would not have been the Yuvraj, the achiever that you all know. All the credit goes to them.
Yuvraj Singh, So, what would you like to say to the families of those fighting with cancer?
Do not to lose hope. There are treatments today, brilliant doctors and amazing hospitals. Have faith and be positive and keep the patient happy. Collective support will lead you to your win. And this is what YouWeCan Foundation works towards, supporting cancer patients and their families. There is no choice, you have to fight, and family members have to be stronger as they can see the person suffering. Our Foundation also provides counselling to family members.
How difficult was it for you to come back to playing after your treatment?
Post illness it was difficult. Given that I had a problem near my lung, it was definitely the most affected area, and my lung capacity had gone down. I faced many moments of doubt while I was training, but I knew I had to see myself on the ground again with the team and make a comeback. I was always focused on being a part of the squad again, and that has kept me going. My body took about two-and-a-half-year to recover 100 percent. The will to never give up in life and to get up and do it again kept me going!
You will be seen again in IPL this year with a different team. How are you preparing for it?
I am very excited to play for the Mumbai Indians. I have been preparing hard. I am putting in as much time as I can, so that when I hit the first ball this IPL, it gives me the right kick. At the moment, it’s like preparing for the examination; I have to be ready for everything.
How do you unwind and relax after hectic work schedules?
I meditate and do yoga as it is good for your mental and physical health. I also listen to good and calming music.
Tell us a about your association with fantasy sports and predictor game platform LivePools.
It’s the new age, the world is moving to online gaming zone. It’s a great space for sports fanatics and the younger generation to come and participate and engage. I have been a part of the EPL gaming scene with my friends, so I know how competitive it gets. I have been an entrepreneur for almost five years now and I have invested in a lot of start-ups, but being part of Livepools is a great way to be in tune with sports. It’s fun to make game predictions, in fact, I predicted on Livepools that France will win the football World Cup and they did! All my friends were very unhappy [laughs]. Rohit [Sharma] is very competitive too, he is a Real Madrid fan and I am a Manchester United fan. Fortunately, we don’t play each other as the teams are from different leagues. We talk a lot about football.
So you love football…
I have loved football since I was a kid, it’s probably the best sport in the world, you finish in 90 minutes and go home [laughs]. It’s my favourite sport to watch, but to play, of course, cricket.
A message for the young readers of TMM.
Iwould like to urge to all the young readers of the magazine to be fit, stay fit and eat healthy. Exercise is one thing that is extremely important and the young generation should try to make that a habit and their lifestyle. Try to indulge in outdoor sports to challenge yourself and stay energetic.
Rapid Fire
You day starts with: Breathing exercises
Favourite form of exercising: Strength training
Favourite music during workout session: Bollywood music
Your fitness idol: Lance Armstrong
When in doubt, what’s your go-to red-carpet outfit choice: Tuxedo
A fitness advice you would like to give to your fans: Eat right and healthy
If a biopic is made on you, your character should be played by: Kit Harrington
One thing that no one knows about you: That I am a very emotional person, and that I love Candy Crush
Best cricketer friends off the field: AshishNehra, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh
A senior player you were scared of when you started : Sachin Tendulkar
Most fun loving player to hang out with: AshishNehra
Yuvraj Singh For TMM
Credits
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